VCJCS Nominee ‘Concerned’ Tight Budget Environment Will Challenge Nuclear Modernization

The nominee to be the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff yesterday told the Senate Armed Services Committee in testimony submitted before his confirmation hearing that he is “concerned” that completing nuclear modernization in the current budget environment will be “a challenge.” Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, currently commander of U.S. Transportation Command, yesterday told SASC members that modernization is key for the future of nuclear forces. “If confirmed, I will give full attention to these programs as they develop and mature,” he stated in written testimony. “Modernizing the strategic delivery systems and sustaining the strategic nuclear enterprise are vital to maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent, which is essential to deterring potential adversaries and assuring our allies. As with any funding choices, we will make decisions that balance fiscal prudence with appropriate risk to provide the best possible capabilities.”

 

Selva agreed with and said he would work to implement the recommendations of the Pentagon’s internal and external reviews of the nuclear enterprise released last year. Selva said that while nuclear forces continue to meet mission demands, “significant changes” are required to ensure the safety, security and effectiveness of the future force.